Device and method for forming plaits



July 26, 1938. E. CHESSLER DEVICE AND METHOD FOR FORMING PLAITS Filed April 28, 1937 Patented July 26, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE DEVICE AND METHOD FOR FORMING PLAITS 30laims.

This invention relates to a device for facilitating the forming of plaits in a fabric article and to the method for accomplishing the same.

It is well known that in the making of plaits in a fabric article such for example as in a window curtain or upholstery cover, considerable time is expended and difllculty experienced in forming the plaits so that each will be of the same size and equally spaced without leaving a length of fabric at one end of the portion of the fabric to be plaited; thus throwing the plaits out of balance or symmetry with said fabric portion. Where it is necessary to provide a group of plaits at spaced intervals on said fabric portion, the problem of forming the plaits and spacing the groups equally and symmetrical with respect to the length of said fabric portion is rendered more diflicult.

To obviate the above set forth difficulties it is the principal object of this invention to provide a strip of relatively stiff material in the form of a band formed with transverse parallel and equally spaced scored or perforated lines which are adapted to indicate fold lines at which the strip is to be bent or folded to form the required plaits, such strip of material to be attached to the inside surface of the fabric to be plaited whereby both the fabric and strip are to be simultaneously folded along said fold lines to form the plaits which are thereupon sewed along said fold lines to provide the finished plaits.

Another object of this invention relates to the forming of said scored or perforated fold lines in groups arranged at predetermined intervals on said strip or band.

Other objects of this invention will become apparent as the description thereof given hereunder proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawing wherein:-

Figure 1 is a plan view of a portion of one form of a plait forming strip or band.

Figure 2 is a plan view of a portion of another form of a plait forming strip or band.

Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a plurality of finished plaits formed on a portion of the upper edge of a fabric curtain showing the attached plait forming strip or band of the type shown in Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the plait forming strip or band shown in Figure 1, bent at the fold lines.

The plait forming strip or band I0 is made of any suitable relatively stiif material such for example as buckram or paper. Preferably said plait forming band is made of buckram of any desired' width which should be uniform throughout the entire extent of the band. Provided on the band III are a plurality of perforated or scored lines H which are arranged transversely of said band and extend from one longitudinal edge to the other longitudinal edge, said lines i I designating fold lines along which said band is to be bent or folded in the manner to be hereinafter described. The fold lines Ii are parallel to each other and are equally spaced, the distances between said fold lines determining the width and spacing of the plaits to be formed.

It is to be understood thatthe plait forming band l0 may be made in various lengths and widths with the fold lines provided thereon at any desired predetermined spacing to form plaits of any desired size and number. Thus, in the form of band shown in Figure 1, the fold lines II are arranged in groups to form a predetermined number of plaits with said groups spaced apart a predetermined distance. In the form of band Ilia shown in Figure 2, the fold lines iia are equally spaced apart throughout the entire length of said band. In each case the bands l0 and la may be made either in strip form or of great length to be wound on a spool or reel whereby portions of any desired length may be cut therefrom.

Referring to Figure 4 it will be observed that by simply folding or bending the band I 0 at the fold lines lib, lie and lid there will immediately be formed a plait I2 comprising the faces I 3 and H which are to be brought into contact with each other.- In view of the stiffness of the band in the location of the fold line ii are readily ascertainable, the band [0 folding naturally and with ease at said fold lines.

In use the band in is sewed or attached in any desired manner to the inside surface of the fabric article to be plaited. Thus, for example where it is desired to provide groups .of plaiting in a window curtain a portion of which is indicated by the reference character l5, see Figure 3, plait forming band it which must be of the same length as the fabric portion of the curtain to be plaited is attached to the inside surface of the fabric comprising the window curtain at that portion thereof where it is desired to form the plaits and at the proper step in the manufacture of said curtain. The band l0 then functions in its proper capacity as a guide in forming the plaits, as by bending the band I 0 along its fold lines the fabric i5 will be simultaneously folded therewith to define the plaits which are permanently formed by sewing together the faces comprising each plait as at it in the manner well known in the art. The plaits il, ilyll etc. are formed and sewed in succession one at a time starting at one side or edge of the curtain, and in vieweof the proper predetermined spacing and grouping of the-fold lines ii on the band II. the completed plaits will be each of the same size, of' the required number and properly spaced from edge to edge of 'said curtain. It is to be understood that the form of plait shown in Figure 3 is only one preferred manner of making a plaited article. In some instances it'may'be advisable to form the plaits without any spaces between the same.

While the plaitforming band i0 is thus permanently a part of the curtain it is out of view and because of the character of the buckram employed will be invisible and will furthermore not aflect the curtain or the plaits in the washing and ironing thereof.

It is thus apparent that the plait forming band provides a simple inexpensive and emcient method for making plaits that completely does away with either measuring or guesswork on the part of the operator. With theplait forming band attached to the fabric the plaits produced will be symmetrically arranged on the fabric from end to end thereof and as indicated above will be of uniform size and spacing.

While only one use of the plait forming band has been illustrated and described it is to be distinctly understood that the same may be used in the forming of plaits on any fabric article of manufacture, as the manner of applying and using the same is applicable in all cases where such a plait formingeband may be utilised.

What is claimed is:--

I. An edge reinforced and plaited curtain comprising a fabric curtain, a strip of thin relatively intervals, folding said strip and fabric at thefold lines to form spaced plaits, and thenspermanently securing the strip and fabric in such folded relationship.

3. A method of forming'permanent plaits at predetermined intervals along the edge of at piece of fabric which comprisesthe-steps oi superposing along said edge a relatively stiii. strip ofmaterial with scoredfold lines at predetermined intervals, folding said strip and fabric at the fold lines to form spaced plaits, and sewing said plaits with the intervening strip plait folds therebetween to permanently hold the plaits in position.

' EDWARD CHESSLER. 

